2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code N64.52Nipple discharge

ICD-10-CM Codes›N00–N99›N60-N65›N64

ICD-10-CM N64.52
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

N64.52 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for nipple discharge. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2027 (October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027) and groups to MS-DRG 600 through 601. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Nonmalignant breast conditions.

This medical diagnosis code is frequently used in OB/GYN medical specialties to designate conditions such lump in breast and other disorders of the breast.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
N64.52
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Nipple discharge
Short Description
Nipple discharge
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
N64.5
Other signs and symptoms in breast

Code Classification

ChapterN00–N99Diseases of the genitourinary system
SectionN60-N65Disorders of breast
CategoryN64Other disorders of breast
This CodeN64.52Nipple discharge

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Bilateral discharge from nipples
  • Bloody nipple discharge
  • Clear nipple discharge
  • Discharge from breast
  • Discharge from left nipple
  • Discharge from nipple
  • Discharge from right nipple
  • Green nipple discharge
  • Milky nipple discharge
  • Nipple bleeding
  • Nipple discharge symptom
  • Nipple infection
  • Purulent nipple discharge
  • Serosanguineous nipple discharge
  • Serous nipple discharge
  • Thelitis

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to N64.52: its own notes plus those printed at N64.5, N64, block N60-N65, and Chapter 14. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.

Excludes1

Not coded here: the excluded code is never reported together with this one, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

On N64.52 itself
  • abnormal findings in nipple discharge (R89.-)
From Block N60-N65 Disorders of breast applies to 60 codes
  • disorders of breast associated with childbirth (O91-O92)

Excludes2

Not included here: the excluded condition is not part of this code, but a patient may have both, so both codes may be reported.

From N64.5 Other signs and symptoms in breast applies to 4 codes
  • abnormal findings on diagnostic imaging of breast (R92.-)
From N64 Other disorders of breast applies to 13 codes
  • mechanical complication of breast prosthesis and implant (T85.4-)
From Chapter 14 (N00-N99) Diseases of the genitourinary system applies to 838 codes
  • certain conditions originating in the perinatal period (P04-P96)
  • certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99)
  • complications of pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O00-O9A)
  • congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99)
  • endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (E00-E88)
  • injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)
  • neoplasms (C00-D49)
  • symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R94)

Source: CMS ICD-10-CM Tabular List. How to read instructional notes.

Referenced in Other NotesGuidance

Instructional notes printed at other codes that name N64.52, its category, or a range that includes it.

Excludes2 2

These codes carry an Excludes2 note naming N64.52: its condition is not part of those codes, and both may be reported when the patient has both.

  • Chapter 18 (R00-R99) Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified
    signs and symptoms of breast (N63, N64.5) names N64.5, which includes this code
  • Block R20-R23 Symptoms and signs involving the skin and subcutaneous tissue
    symptoms relating to breast (N64.4-N64.5) names N64.4-N64.5, which includes this code

Index to Diseases and InjuriesGuidance

Alphabetical index entries that point to this code.

Clinical ClassificationClinical

AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.

CCSR GEN017
Nonmalignant breast conditions
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Patient EducationClinical

Breast Diseases

Breast diseases include various conditions and changes in your breast. Most women experience breast changes at some time. Your age, hormone levels, and medicines you take may cause lumps, bumps, and discharges of fluids that are not breast milk.

The full article covers:

  • What are breast diseases?
  • What are the symptoms of breast disease?
  • How are breast diseases diagnosed?
  • What are the treatments for breast disease?

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Convert N64.52 to ICD-9-CMHistory

The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.

ICD-9-CM
611.79 Symptoms in breast NEC
Approximate The match is approximate rather than exact.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2026No changes
FY 2027CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Questions About N64.52Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for nipple discharge?

The ICD-10-CM code for nipple discharge is N64.52 (sometimes written as N6452). It is billable on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Is N64.52 (Other signs and symptoms in breast) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report nipple discharge on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

What MS-DRG does N64.52 group to?

When nipple discharge is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 600, 601, with relative weights from 0.6014 to 0.9971 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

Can N64.52 be reported with a code from R89?

Not as a rule. The Excludes1 note on N64.52 lists "abnormal findings in nipple discharge (R89.-)". An Excludes1 note means the excluded code is never reported together with this one; the only exception is when the two conditions are unrelated to each other (Official Guidelines, Section I.A.12.a).

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of N64.52?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, nipple discharge converts to ICD-9-CM 611.79 (symptoms in breast NEC). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.